Gliederung

Introduction

Motor coordination, especially balance abilities, is essential for joint stability and movement patterns. Recent studies have shown positive effects on the contralateral untrained side after unilateral strength training. The role of unilateral coordinative training programs has not yet been determined. The aim of the study was to evaluate the contralateral effect of a single-leg coordinative training program on the untrained side.

Material and Methods

61 healthy subjects participated in this prospective intervention study. 32 of them accomplished a four-week long comprehensive coordinative training program on the dominant leg. Training instruments were half sphere ankle discs and the Thera-BandÂ®Stability Trainer. The remaining 29 subjects served as a control group. The coordinative abilities were tested with the Biodex Stability SystemÂ®.

Results

The coordinative abilities of both the trained and untrained leg increased after the coordinative training. The increase in coordination was significant for both legs of the exercise group as measured by the Biodex Stability SystemÂ®.

Discussion

Our results indicate that single-leg coordinative training has both an effect on the trained leg and the contralateral leg. It seems as though that patients practice with their non-affected leg coordinative exercises and their affected leg profits indirectly. If the results of the study were confirmed in injured individuals, patients could circumvent the negative effects of immobilization or limited weight-bearing after an injury.